This Tuesday, October 6, Lionel Messi received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Buenos Aires (UBA), presented alongside university officials and Claudio "Chiqui" Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA).
The national team captain remarked:
"I never imagined having something like this, something completely separate—or perhaps not—from football, from everything I've done in sports. It is an honor for me to receive it, to be able to say that I am an honorary doctor. So thank you very much. It's a very special day for me, which I know will be emotional, but I'm going to try to enjoy it. I feel calm, but as kickoff draws nearer it becomes a little more challenging, and kicking off the day with this recognition makes it so much more special. Thank you very much, this is a huge source of pride for me."
UBA Rector Ricardo Gelpi highlighted that the footballer is an exemplary figure and an ambassador of Argentina's popular culture and national identity. Emiliano Yacobitti, the university's vice-rector, stated that the Albiceleste icon "knew how to convey the values of the Argentine jersey and represent it with courage and respect, taking it to the pinnacle of world football." He concluded: "This is a tribute and an expression of gratitude from UBA, on behalf of Argentine society as a whole."
Amid an ongoing struggle over funding for public universities across the country, honoring Messi thrusts the University of Buenos Aires into the global spotlight.
